Quebec Winter

Winter Can Be Fun in Quebec!

I watched my wife scrape ice from the car windows. Her labor was greater because of the hat down over her ears, the lined coat over layers of sweaters, her huge lined boots, gloves and a scarf covering all except her eyes.

I knew the feeling, having just finished shoveling the driveway and doing the same with my car. It was an exhausting morning, and you may well ask how can you live in such a climate and why do you do so.

Well, I'll tell you. In a word, we love Quebec and the city of Montreal where we live. Come up during any season, and you'll know why.

Many people winter in Florida. We stay here and make the winter work for us. True it's difficult when the temperature drops to 25 below, but its generally warmer -- and we partake in what winter has to offer.

Montrealers enjoy Mount Royal, a small mountain in the middle of the city. From the downtown area it makes a lovely backdrop. On top there's a small lake, named after the beavers of Canada. Beaver Lake is a Mecca for Sunday walkers, winter skaters or kids with sleighs and toboggans.

There is something special about listening to the dry snow crunch as you walk or that special sound of skaters on the frozen lake. It has a restaurant and changing facility next door. It's lit up at night, there's ample parking, and it's free.

But not everyone stays in Montreal on weekends. Driving up into the nearby Laurentian Mountains takes only an hour, and there one can find scores of hills for downhill skiing, complete with lifts and music as well as restaurants.

For those who ski-board, these hills are inviting. This sport has arrived for good. And for those who want to cross country, snowshoe or just walk, there are trails at every center. While the trip to St.-Sauveur is short, my favorite is at Mont Tremblant, an extra half hour north. The last time we cross country skied there, we had birds literally eating out of our hands.

My friend put some birdseed on his hat. The birds perched on his head, eating without fear. The silence is what attracts, and the clean crisp snow is a sight I love. Of course, there are snowmobiles that bring noise and some pollution, but it's a winter wonderland with the occasional deer or moose to be seen.

At Tremblant there are upscale hotels, boutiques, upscale restaurants and bars. It's the "in" place for skiers or she-ers.

But there's something new there, too. Over the last few years, a new delicacy has invaded the slopes. It's French fries topped with hot BBQ sauce and sprinkled liberally with white cheese chunks. Teenagers seem to live on it. If I did, it would go right to my heart. Food like that is to die for, literally, so I'll pass. Besides, Quebec cooking is excellent and easier to digest.

An investment in a condo can reap rewards for years. And when its not rented, you can use it yourself.

Recently, a friend sold his Montreal home and moved to the "country." He is away from the hustle and bustle, the broken water mains, the power outages and slush. He bought the house next door and rents it out to skiers. It's a profitable little business.

But if you are thinking of buying something either up north or in the Eastern Townships near the U.S. border, I'd suggest that you hurry. Prices are soaring. A house that sold for $38,000 only eight years ago will go for about $200,000 in some areas. Remember, the U.S. dollar buys 25% more in Canada.

Both the Laurentians and the Eastern Townships are served by super highways. The small communities have all the usual shops, including excellent antique shops. That's another item going up in cost, but worth collecting.

But what's winter in the city without a trip to the home of Les Canadiens, our NHL hockey team. Built on a tradition, thousands of Montrealers pay top prices to cheer on our boys. What other team can boast winning the Stanley Cup five years in a row?

On streets, in lanes and in parks, young children proudly sport their Canadiens jerseys and race around chasing a puck. Leagues are set up in most parks like little league baseball teams in warmer cities.

Yes, we still have baseball here, but one can't compare the two games. Canada is hockey and Montreal is Les Canadiens.

So here I sit on a 30 below night, fireplace roaring, drinking my hot toddy and dreaming of summer when I can walk out in the warming sun. But I'm getting older and winter sports are becoming a spectator sport. Or are they?

I glance out of the window. The snow is gently falling. My car is buried again. I'll put on my long flannel underwear, quilted, down-filled ski jacket, lined gloves, fur hat and boots…and start shoveling again.

Who says I don't get exercise?